Top 5 Bowlers With Most Wickets in T20 World Cup History ft. Rashid Khan

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This will be the 10th edition of the tournament. A total of 55 matches will be played across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

India, one of the co-hosts, are also the defending champions of the T20 World Cup. They won the 2024 edition held in the United States and the West Indies after beating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados. Team India had earlier won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa.

West Indies and England are the only other teams to win the T20 World Cup twice. West Indies lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2016, while England won in 2010 and 2022. Over the years, several bowlers from different teams have delivered impressive performances in the Men’s T20 World Cup. In this feature, we take a look at the top wicket-takers in the ICC tournament.

Also read -Top 5 highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cup ft. Rohit Sharma

5. Rashid Khan (37 wickets)

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is fifth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In 23 matches, he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 6.30. He has taken three four-wicket hauls.

Rashid’s best figures of 4-9 came against Scotland in Sharjah in 2021. He also took 4-17 against New Zealand in Guyana in 2024, helping Afghanistan win by 84 runs. In the same edition, he claimed 4-23 against Bangladesh in Kingstown, as Afghanistan won by eight runs under the DLS method.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga (37 wickets)

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also taken 37 wickets in the T20 World Cup. He is placed above Rashid Khan because he played fewer matches. In 19 matches, he took 37 wickets at an average of 11.72 and an economy rate of 6.00.

His best figures of 3-8 came against the UAE in Geelong in 2022. He also took 3-28 against the Netherlands at the same venue. Hasaranga claimed 3-13 against Afghanistan in Brisbane. He picked up 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 wickets in 2022.

3. Lasith Malinga (38 wickets)

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is third on the list. He led Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title. In 31 matches, he took 38 wickets at an average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 7.43.

Malinga’s best figures of 5-31 came against England in Pallekele in 2012. He was named Player of the Match as Sri Lanka won by 19 runs. He also took 3-17 against Pakistan in 2009 and 3-28 against West Indies in 2010.

2. Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list. In 34 matches, he took 39 wickets at an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71. He recorded two four-wicket hauls.

Afridi’s best figures of 4-11 came against the Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009. He also took 4-19 against Scotland in 2007. Afridi picked up 12 wickets in 2007 and 11 wickets in 2009, when Pakistan won the title.

1. Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. He has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 6.86. He has claimed three four-wicket hauls.

Shakib’s best figures of 4-9 came against Papua New Guinea in 2021. He also took 4-15 against Oman in 2016 and 4-34 against West Indies in 2007. Shakib picked up 11 wickets in 2021 and 10 wickets in 2016.